I know this is a dumb question, but I do wonder why we care so much about not losing any lean body mass when trying to lose weight. I sometimes think that if I had less muscle mass I might not be quite so chunky. Plus, wouldn't a person need much less lean body mass to support their body once they've lost a lot of weight?

What TorMag said - more lean mass meas more steak, bacon, eggs and butter shoveled down my pie-hole(that no-longer has pies shoveled into it :P)
Also I quite like the amount of muscle I carry, I'd like a bit more so I'm even more butch, certainly not less, but that's my preferance.

You know all those pictures of Adam and Eve where they have belly button? Think about it..................... take as long as you need........................